“Farm to table” refers not only to the fresh, local produce you buy from the farmer himself. It’s also about bringing food to the table looking its best. That means it’s time to talk to a potter.

The annual Pottery on the Hill show and sale at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital on October 30-November 1, is a chance to meet and talk with 16 prominent potters from across the country about their work.

“Pots for use is definitely the theme of this show,” says Dan Finnegan, the show curator. “Most of us share this passion for making pots for people’s homes.”

The pieces chosen for Pottery on the Hill show a variety of styles, influences and techniques. Some are whimsical while others are refined. Most are wheel thrown but have hand-built elements. These potters use bright colors as well as more subdued tones.

Pottery on the Hill features a ticketed preview reception on the evening of October 30 at 6:30 p.m. This reception offers the first opportunity to meet the potters, learn their inspiration and purchase pieces. The first 100 guests will receive a beer sampler crafted by a potter. Tickets are available online.

The show and sale, which is free and open to the public, takes place on October 31 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and November 1 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Additionally, a Pottery Slam, where potters challenge each other, take challenges from the audience, and work together on pottery wheels to make pieces, will take place at the Art League Annex in Alexandria on Thursday, October 29 from 6:30-9 p.m. Potters Dan Finnegan, Mark Shapiro and Sam Taylor will be joined by Blair Meerfield of the Torpedo Factory.

So when you next buy sunflowers picked that morning in a farmer’s field, have a ceramic vase that displays them as they deserve.